Increasing diversity refers to an overall younger, more multiracial, multi-ethnic and multifaceted population than ever before.

Shawn Trivette, assistant professor of sociology at Louisiana Tech University, believes racial and cultural diversity is a nationwide trend, but there could be more specific reasons for changing in Lincoln and Union parishes.

"In Lincoln Parish, a lot could have to do with the university," he said. "Universities tend to promote increasing diversity in lots of respects."

Trivette said the diversity in Union Parish could be because of the commodity agriculture in the area.

In Louisiana in 2060, 24 of 64 parishes, 37.5 percent, will have a diversity rate of more than 60 percent, while the national rate of counties and parishes exceeding 60 percent is only 25 percent.

"In general there are two ways to change a population — bring more people into the country or birth more babies," Trivette said. "But, there's a third piece — the statistical way. We are still a predominantly white country, so it takes a lot more people to see a significant shift in a numerical majority rather than in a minority population."

Changes in racial definitions by the U.S. Census Bureau could also affect the appearance of increasing diversity.

"In the very first census the only racial categories were white males under 16, white males over 16, white women, slaves and other people," Trivette said. "We would never say that today. The understanding of race that we have today is a relatively modern creation with historic roots."

Trivette said that even the definition of who is considered to be "white" has changed over the years.

"In the late 1800s and early 1900s white referred to those of northern European descent," he said. "Those from the southern part of Europe were not considered white."

The blending of traditional races also creates diversity.

"The idea of partnering only with one of one's own race is becoming less important for many people, especially the younger generation," Trivette said. "That could also be contributing to changing racial dynamics, what race means and diversity."